Global Leaders Convene to Assess Aviation Challenges at A3IR Conference

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The inaugural Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace International Research (A3IR) Conference presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University –Prescott, Ariz., will kick off Friday in Phoenix as a two-day event bringing together industry and academic leaders from around the world to assess challenges and develop solutions for global aviation, aeronautics and aerospace industries.

Key focal areas include Global Security, Cyber Intelligence, and privacy, regulation and security issues surrounding Unmanned Aircraft Systems & UAVs. Other topics to be addressed at the conference include: Wildlife strikes in the U.S., how ethnicity might play a role in trust of airline pilots, and how firefighting has changed in the U.S. since Sept. 11. Universities represented include Embry-Riddle, Purdue, Arizona State, Kent State and Ohio State.

"It's very exciting and appropriate for Embry-Riddle to host the first conference of this type to tap into not just national academic experts, but international industry and university leaders to examine aviation issues," said Embry-Riddle Prescott College of Aviation dean, Dr. Brent Bowen. "And it's not just about training pilots or piloting airplanes. The diversity of topics scheduled directly addresses concerns that the every person experiences – how firefighters are now being trained, how academic institutions will help fill the impending pilot shortage, air quality, and so much more."

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Robert Sumwalt will present a keynote on aviation safety to initiate the event. Sumwalt was appointed to a two-year term with the NTSB as Vice Chairman in 2006 by President George W. Bush, and was then reappointed to the Board as a member for an additional five-year term by President Barack Obama in 2011.

Sumwalt will also speak as the subject matter expert at a free, open-to-the-public FAA session, "Safety Culture Enhancements" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

Complete daily conference agenda and live updates will be available online at commons.erau.edu/aircon. Follow the event at Twitter @A3IRCON. After the conference, a Communique of results will be provided publicly by post event media coverage.

The event will be held at The Wigwam Resort, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, AZ, 85340.

All members of the media are invited to attend or report remotely.

SOURCE Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University -Prescott, Ariz.